National Mountain Bike Series #4 (NMBS) - 1

Deer Valley, Park City, Utah, June 27-29, 2008

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Race 13 - June 29: Elite Women Downhill Final

Petterson wins easily despite a crash

By Dave McElwaine in Park City, Utah

Joanna Petterson rolling over
Photo ©: Dave McElwaine

Joanna Petterson raced to a 13 second victory at Deer Valley, despite a mid-course crash. Darien Harvey (Sobe/Cannondale) was second, and Lisa Myklak (Spyder/Fox) took third. Pre-race favorite and World 4X Champion Melissa Buhl did not race due to a hand injury.

"My run was going well then I took a really big crash in the rock garden," said Petterson. "I knew I had to get up quickly then pushed a little harder for the rest of it."

Petterson took a handlebar in the lower abdomen but apparently was not seriously injured.

The racers generally reported that they liked the Deer Valley course. It had been changed slightly from the year before. "Deer Valley is a really fun track," said Petterson. "I enjoyed it. They made a few changes this year that made it a bit more pedally."

Most of the women downhill racers now head to the NMBS race in Windham, NY, followed by the National Championships in Mt. Snow, Vermont.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Dave McElwaine/www.trailwatch.net

The Pro Downhill women were cutting up a bit just before the start.
Leanna Gerrard (Mona Vie) and Darien Harvey (Sobe/Cannondale).
World 4X Champion Melissa Buhl did not race the event due to a hand injury.
Amy Laird had a good run and finished fourth.
Leanna Gerrard (Mona Vie) got the last spot on the podium.
Darien Harvey (Sobe/Cannondale) took second, 13 seconds behind Joanna Petterson.
Lisa Myklak (Spyder Fox) was third.
Joanna Petterson rolling over a rock garden.
Joanna Petterson looked blazing fast and the time showed it.
Joanna Petterson concentrating on the singletrack ahead.
Deer Valley from the top of the Downhill course.

Results

1 Joanna Petterson (RSA)                                         0.03.53.21
2 Darian Harvey (USA) Sobe/Cannondale                               0.12.63
3 Lisa Myklak (USA) Spyder/Fox/Black Market                         0.16.02
4 Amy Laird (NZl)                                                   0.20.38
5 Leana Gerrard (USA) Mona Vie Cannondale                           0.28.18
6 Rachel Bauer (USA) Team Dead Bros.                                0.42.94
7 Addie Stewart (USA) Go Ride/Hayes/Ogden Clinic/Harlot Wear/661    0.45.27
8 Michelle Rivera (USA) Stevenksd                                   1.26.39
9 Mariska Chuse (USA) Dark Horse Racing                             1.42.84